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Suggest Medications For Back Pain In An Elderly Person

Posted on Sun, 13 Nov 2016

Question: I have just learned that my Grandmother, aged 94, has hurt her back. This has happened before. My mother says of course that she is in a lot of pain but when I asked about pain meds, she said that she may not handle them that well. There has to be something she can take. Please advise. She weighs about 60 lbs

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ice packs alternativing with hot bags + pain gels

Detailed Answer:
Yes, some people especially elders don't tolerate pain medications easily. At this point, as she is hurt the best form of treatment will be rest combined with ice compresses alternating with hot water bags. She can also consider topical pain gels / sprays available over the counter. Significant portion of topical agents remain under skin and are not absorbed systemically; therefore they cause least side effect.

Besides those two, tylenol has analgesic property. It can be tried if above mentioned measures don't help.

Finally, if the pain doesn't resolve, better to visit her doctor. Other pain medications can be prescribed after evaluating risks involved. Besides it is important to rule out bony injuries.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad